I want to build an outside tiki bar. It will likely be covered, but I would prefer to make it durable to hold up to the elements...which here in Michigan includes freezing temps in addition to uv, heat, and wet weather.

So if you have any ideas and/or a photo to two to share, I'd appreciate it.

Here is what I did . 2x6 pine, edged with 1x4 pine, edge glued and biscuit joined, then stained and finished w/ 3 coats of gloss Minwax spar urethane . It is covered but, not impervious to rain . I am in less than tropical PA ...

Palapa table, similar process but, no stain and the boards are separate ...

On 2012-08-28 04:31, jimsflies wrote:Some great work there McTiki! Love the look. Do the fish and shells stick up above the other pieces? Does that create a problem with tipping over drinks? I need to make the bar drunk proof lol.

@Bongo Bungalow sounds cool too. Got any photos? What's the best way to make something like that?

No....all of the fish and other creatures protrude a little bit....drinks go on the 2x12 marine wood wrap. Sobriety? Lol ....I have a reputation to uphold.... Thanks for the look...... and nice words.

I've got a lead on a pre-fab bar for a reasonable price in great shape...just not sure if it fits my tiki thinking. It does match other outdoor wicker furniture I have. And I suppose a few tikis could be hung on the front to give it some tiki-ness.

Any thoughts? Go with something like this or hold out and build something?

As for building something...I have been looking at concrete countertops with embedded fiber optics.